We all could sense that a land grab in Western North Carolina was imminent, but none of us knew quite how it would manifest on the ground. Well, as of November 6th we can all take the tin foil hats off, as FEMA has officially commenced a "Land Acquisition Project" in Helene affected areas. "To help minimize future flood losses the buyback program includes Acquisition and Structure Demolition/Relocation – The community buys, with FEMA funding, the property from the homeowner and demolishes or relocates any structures on the property."-FEMA Hazard Mitigation Acquisition Program

Once local officials condemn buildings entirely or deny building permits for a variety of reasons, FEMA is moving in and buying out properties for "75% of fair market value" of the land, regardless if the house is damaged or not. What this means is, people are being forced off of land they have been for generations and given miniscule payments for the land by FEMA and/or their sub-contractors.